Dr.Dreams A Health,Medical & Wellness Blog

Trampoline Workout on Steroids

Dr Joe — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:00:02 +0000

I took gymnastics like many young girls, and while I loved playing with the white powder by the uneven bars, my favorite part of class was jumping on the trampoline. Who knew I could have made a career out of it! Check out this video of a strong and fearless acrobat practicing his Cirque du Soleil act that involves bouncing off walls and doing flips from one trampoline to another. Amazing.

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Trampoline Workout on Steroids

Probiotic Supplements

Dr Dreams — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:37:44 +0000

One of the hardest “sells” in natural medicine is demonstrating that there can be substantive differences between products that seem similar. Many years ago a skeptical customer was discussing a supplement with an employee at a health food store. At that time, I was a consultant who assisted the owner of that establishment to choose which lines and products to stock. I overheard the conversation and decided to try to help out. The position of the customer was that all echinacea products should be comparably priced. His view was that they all came from the same plant, the same soil, the same planet and therefore should reflect that in their price point. My first approach was to provide details about the specific differences between the brands he was considering - variable concentrations of active ingredients, flower vs. root extracts, the scientific research conducted on certain products, etc. I was unable to sway him with that data. So I tried a different tactic. I asked, “Is it reasonable to pay the same amount for a brand new BMW as you would a used Honda Civic?” “Of course not”, he scoffed. I continued, “Why not? They’re both made with similar materials. They both have four tires and a steering wheel. You can use both cars to get to where you want to go.” I brought up that experience because I think that many natural health consumers are frustrated with hyperbolic sales pitches. I’m convinced that the gentleman I just mentioned was probably the recipient of more than a few hard sells at other health food stores. I suspect this because I’ve personally had this happen to me on many occasions. A consequence of that type of sales approach is that, eventually, customers will justifiably feel cheated or taken. Perhaps the worst part is that those very same consumers will probably miss out on some really good products and simply opt for the cheapest ones because they just don’t want to get “ripped off” anymore. Probiotics are a good example of supplements that need to be selected carefully. One strain of healthy bacteria may be suitable for constipation but completely useless for supporting a positive mental outlook. Some varieties work best when combined in foods such as kefir or yogurt and others require a special encapsulation process in order for the good microbes to survive the normal digestive process. The trick here is to verify that you’re taking an appropriate bacterial candidate for the health issue you wish to address. Example #1 - Probiotics and Immunity in Children and Infants A study just released in the journal Clinical Nutrition examined the role of a probiotic known as Lactobacillus GG (LGG) in the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections in young children. 281 boys and girls attending day care were administered one of two beverages over the course of 3 months. The treatment group received a fermented milk drink that was supplemented with LGG. The control group was given the same beverage sans the probiotic. The children in the LGG study group were 34% less likely to come down with upper respiratory tract infections . These same kids also demonstrated a 43% reduction in the risk of infections lasting more than 3 days. ( 1 ) The June 2009 issue of the British Journal of Nutrition reports on two specific strains of healthy bacteria that also show promise, this time in infants. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 or a placebo were added to the formula of infants. During the following year, the incidence of infections prior to 7 months of age and the number of “recurrent (three or more) infection during the first year of life were recorded as the main outcome measures of the study”. 22% of the infants receiving the probiotic formula developed ear infections as compared to 50% of those given the placebo formula. 31% of the probiotic infants required antibiotic treatment (for ear infections), while the placebo group required antibiotics 60% of the time. 28% of the infants given probiotics developed recurrent respiratory infections in comparison to 55% in the placebo group. The researchers concluded that “probiotics may offer a safe means of reducing the risk of early acute otis (ear infection), antibiotic use and the risk of recurrent respiratory infections during the first year of life”. However, they emphasize that “Further clinical trials are warranted”. Those parting words need to be taken seriously. One example of this can be found in a large Taiwanese study published in February 2009. Over 1,000 preschool aged children were divided into four groups and given various types of probiotics or a placebo. It was determined that one particular probiotic strain ( L. casei rhamnosus ) was helpful in controlling “bacterial, viral and respiratory infections”, while an unspecified “multi-species probiotic” was effective in reducing gastrointestinal diseases. This reinforces the notion that specific strains of healthy bacteria may benefit their hosts in a selective manner. ( 2 , 3 ) Example # 2 - Probiotics for the Management of Eczema and Other Skin Disorders Infants were also the focus of another recent probiotic study. However, in this case, the administration of the probiotics was bit more involved. Researchers from Seoul National University in Korea recruited 112 pregnant women with a “family history of allergic diseases”. The expectant mothers were asked to take either a probiotic supplement or a placebo beginning 4-8 weeks prior to their delivery date and continuing until 6 months post delivery. Three probiotic strains were included in this experiment: Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 , B. lactis AD011 , and Lactobacillus acidophilus AD031 . The newborns were fed only breast milk for the first 3 months of life and then received a cow’s milk based formula for the next 3 months. The infants were medically monitored during their first year. The infants whose mothers received the probiotic mix showed a statistically lower rate of eczema (18.2% vs. 40%). The “cumulative incidence of eczema during the first 12 months” was also significantly reduced in the probiotic infants (36.4% vs. 62.9%). ( 4 ) The mechanism by which healthy bacteria counter skin disorders isn’t entirely clear yet. A recent French study indicates that certain probiotics, such as L. casei (DN-114 001) , appear to combat “allergic and inflammatory skin disorders” by beneficially modulating immune response - at least in a mouse model of skin inflammation. However scientists from New Zealand have determined that not all varieties of probiotics are capable of this same activity. Their research indicates that Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 can effectively reduce the likelihood of eczema (by almost 50%) in infants. But these same scientists also tested another strain ( Bifidobacterium animalis HN019 ) and discovered that it didn’t produce any relevant decline in eczema incidence. ( 5 , 6 ) Example #3 - Probiotics for Improved Dental Health One of the more novel applications for probiotics is in the arena of dental care. The very thought of using any bacteria to improve the condition of one’s mouth may seem counterintuitive at best and, frankly, downright odd. But if you think about it in terms of balance, it tends to make much more sense. There is a constant population flux between beneficial bacteria ( probiotics ) and pathogenic microbes in the body. Many factors, including poor hygiene, a sub-par diet or a weakened immune system can easily tip the scale in favor of the harmful bacteria. But eating and supplementing with probiotics and remedying the underlying issues that originally brought about the imbalance can help to improve many aspects of health. A mouthwash containing a probiotic known as Bacillus subtilis was recently compared to a conventional mouthwash which contained a conventional/synthetic antiseptic ( benzethonium chloride ). The intent of the researchers was to test the relative efficacy of each mouth rinse on periodontitis symptoms. The participants using the probiotic mouthwash showed a greater reduction in pathogenic bacteria and also exhibited small improvements in “probing pocket depth and bleeding on probing”, indicators of improved gingival health. A different probiotic mouthwash ( ProBiora3 ) that contains three strains of healthy bacteria was recently shown to substantially reduce the levels of harmful bacteria when administered twice-daily for 4 weeks. Periodontal pathogens not only declined in the participants’ saliva but also in the plaque underneath their gumline. ( 7 , 8 ) The prior examples involved swishing the mouth with a probiotic mouthwash. Several other current studies suggest that consuming probiotics via food or supplementation may also improve oral health. The latest trial was conducted at the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology at the University of Leipzig , Germany . 50 students were split into 2 groups. One half received a probiotic beverage and the remainder was not supplemented at all. Over the course of 8 weeks, half the students drank the probiotic once a day. Dental examinations were provided prior to and post study. The researchers concluded that the “probiotic milk drink” reduced markers of gum inflammation. A Japanese study from June 2009 established that a probiotic strain known as Lactobacillus salivarius WB21 could successfully reduce the levels of 5 “periodontopathic bacteria” that are associated with poor gingival status. Finally, a 2006 trial from Sweden provides convincing evidence that Lactobacillus reuteri can reduce the incidence of gum bleeding in those with gingivitis after as little as 2 weeks of supplementation. The authors of that trial also noted a decrease in plaque build up in the L. reuteri group. ( 9 , 10 , 11 ) The next time you go shopping for probiotics at your local health food store, talk to the resident expert. Inquire about which probiotic product they think is best suited for you. Ask for any relevant product literature. If there is none available, at least write down the name of the product itself. But don’t buy it. Instead, go home and do a little online research. See if there’s reasonable evidence to support the information you received at the health food store. In most instances, it’s unreasonable to expect to find dozens of studies which will back such claims. Most natural products simply aren’t financed in such a way that allows for voluminous scientific testing. However, there should be at least a hint of solid evidence. Perhaps you’ll find a few studies that can provide you with the necessary confidence you’re after. Maybe you’ll even come across an endorsement or two from reputable health authorities that back the use of the supplement in question. Collect all of the information you can and then decide what makes sense. If the advice you were given is sound, reward that store with your business. If, on the other hand, you find that you were likely the recipient of a holistic fairy tale, consider finding a new place to spend your hard earned money. But before you do that, let the store owner know why they’re losing your business. Be well! JP Related posts: Travel Supplements Probiotics and Mood Constipation No More Swine Flu, Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer’s Updates Coconut Oil, Lactoferrin and Natural Skin Care News

Don’t Blow Your Healthy Habits at the Movies This Weekend

Martin Neumann — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:53 +0000

It’s a big movie weekend, for sure. With New Moon finally out, I’ve already committed myself to spend an afternoon at the theater – the only complication is that I’m not so fond of the movie-theater fare. It’s an admittedly challenging place to stick to healthy food choices, since there usually aren’t any to begin with. Just in case you don’t believe me, recent research is revealing just how unhealthy movie popcorn can be – and it’s probably a lot worse than you think. An article from WebMd highlights the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s findings on the state of popcorn, which claims movie theater popcorn is just about as bad for you as “a pound of baby back ribs and a scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream or maybe two Big Macs” – and that’s before you even add the butter. For the study, researchers sent samples of popcorn and toppings from three different movie theater chains and compared their findings to the chains’ own nutritional information. What they found is likely to make you rethink how you view your movie treat. The study’s results show that the calorie count of movie theater popcorn ranges from just about 400 to 1,200 calories, and contains an alarming serving of saturated fat that’s equivalent to three days worth of your daily recommended portion, and anywhere from 200 (in the smallest 6-cup size serving) to 1,500 milligrams of sodium. Additionally, the study revealed that both AMC and Regal theaters pop their popcorn in coconut oil, which has a saturated fat content of a whopping 90 percent. Cinemark theaters, which pops their popcorn in canola oil, earns the rep as the healthiest chain, with a significantly lower saturated fat content – ranging from 2 grams in the 420-calorie small size to 5 grams in the 910-calorie large popcorn bucket. But, keep in mind that popcorn is usually just a part of the order – add a soda or your choice of candy, and your order is easily nearing 1,700 calories. To learn about healthier options at the movies read more. To avoid a serious caloric overload on your movie outing, the solutions are simple. Opt to share a small, unbuttered popcorn, and request that it be popped without salt (according to the article, these chains will happily oblige), or knosh on something healthy before you head out. If you can, bring a small bag of almonds or a piece of fruit along. Be smart about your choices, and don’t let one afternoon at the movies spoil your healthy habits. It’s totally fine to indulge every now and then, but a 1,200-calorie serving of popcorn that packs more saturated fat than you need in three days is hardly a treat for your bod or health.

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Don’t Blow Your Healthy Habits at the Movies This Weekend

Moody’s on Pharma: Outlook Is Negative, But it Could Be Worse

Martin Neumann — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:34:59 +0000

Moody’s still thinks the credit ratings of the world’s big drug companies are likely to get worse in the coming months. But Moody’s does find a few good things to say about the industry. A sampling of findings from the company’s latest industry outlook: Mega-mergers by Pfizer, Merck and others is providing “increased scale and a somewhat better balance” between the companies’ expiring patents and their product pipelines, Moody’s says. The “unprecdented” M&A binge is expected to slow but activity is likely to continue with smaller, bolt-on deals. Vaccines and treatments for H1N1 flu are “providing a nice boost to earnings in 2009 and also possibly in early 2010” for players that include GlaxoSmithKline, Roche and Novartis. But Moody’s adds the swine-flu business is unpredictable and the upside may prove temporary. Generic makers are an industry bright spot and should remain one of health care’s most recession-resistant sectors, Moody’s says. Teva, Mylan and Watson in particular are benefiting from acquisitions. We hardly need to note that the same blockbusters going off patent to the joy of generic makers spell tears for branded makers. Pharma companies look like they have dodged the worst-case scenarios under the U.S. health-care overhaul. While the costs to the industry are still being sorted out, “we currently do not believe reform measures will be extremely onerous for the industry,” Moody’s says. Put it all together and the rating company says the overall outlook for the industry’s credit fundamentals is negative over the next 12-18 months. Of course, Moody’s in the past few years has been anything but cheery on various segments of the health-care world, as can be seen here , here and here . Image: iStockphoto

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Moody’s on Pharma: Outlook Is Negative, But it Could Be Worse

Definition: SPD Cleats

Martin Neumann — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:30:36 +0000

Biking is a gear heavy sport, all the way down to the shoes. And different types of biking have different styles of shoes and cleats when you’re riding clipless pedals . The jargon is odd too, I know, but biking becomes more efficient when you wear a biking shoe that clips into a pedal. This way you can power your pedaling during the full circle of a pedal stroke. One type of cleat/pedal combination is SPD, which stands for Shimano Pedaling Dynamics – Shimano being a manufacturer of bicycle gear. SPD pedals have recessed cleats so you can walk around normally if need be, which is why they are favored by mountain bikers, but many road bikers use them too. When riding in urban areas, SPD cleats work well too, since un-clipping frequently can be necessary with traffic lights. Since the cleat is recessed you actually get traction on the ground, which is handy. However, since the cleat is pretty small, foot pain while biking can be an issue, since you’re putting the pressure of your foot repeatedly onto a small surface area.

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Definition: SPD Cleats

Swine-Flu Update: Resistance, Mutations, Declines and China

Sean Duffy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:00:21 +0000

Here are a few threads from around the world on what’s happening with the H1N1 swine-flu pandemic. Four patients in the past six weeks had Tamiflu-resistant flu at Duke University Hospital. In at least two of the cases, patients contracted the resistant bug before they had been treated with Tamiflu, a Duke infection-control doctor told the Health Blog. All of the patients were on a cancer ward, and had suppressed immune systems. Norway reported finding a mutated strain of H1N1 in three patients, two of whom had died from the disease. The mutation might make the more likely to move deep into the airways and cause more serious disease, but the mutation is unlikely to alter the effectiveness of drugs or vaccines. A CDC official said that the mutation has been seen in some cases elsewhere in the world, and in some cases has been associated with more mild disease. In the U.S., key measures of the pandemic’s intensity declined in the week that ended on Nov. 14, the CDC said . For the third straight week, fewer people went to the doctor to be treated for influenza-like illness. Influenza hospitalization rates and the proportion of deaths attributed to flu and pneumonia also declined. Still, rates are far higher than they would normally be at this time of year. And officials said rates could rise again after the holidays, the time of year when seasonal flu usually kicks in. China’s Ministry of Health said local officials who conceal cases of H1N1 could be subject to punishment, the WSJ reports . The statement came after a doctor — known for speaking out in 2003 against official reports that understated the extent of the SARS epidemic — questioned the number of H1N1 deaths reported so far in China. Image of H1N1 by C. Goldsmith via CDC

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Swine-Flu Update: Resistance, Mutations, Declines and China

Gifts For Active Snow Bunnies

Dr Dreams — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:32 +0000

Although snow may not be falling in your neck of the woods just yet, it’s never too early to start thinking about all the people in your life who love playing in that fluffy white stuff. If you have a friend or family member who’s big into hitting the mountain, here are some gift ideas that are sure to keep her warm and happy. Although picking out ski or snowboard equipment is best left up to her, these items are sure to make wintertime even better.

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Gifts For Active Snow Bunnies

Thanksgiving Portion Primer

Dr Dreams — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:25 +0000

Few of us, if any, sit down to Thanksgiving dinner with a food scale in hand. Nevertheless, portion control on this day of feasting still matters. Using visual cues can certainly help keep your plate from turning into a pyramid of starch and fat. Turkey: A serving of meat is three ounces and looks like a deck of cards. Potatoes and stuffing: A typical serving size of a starch is 1/2 a cup. To keep from going overboard, visualize a tennis ball cut in half. Remember, carbs should only take up a quarter of your plate . Veggies: A serving of veggies is similar to a rounded handful, but veggies should take up at least half of your plate. Load up on green beans, Brussels sprouts , and squash . Salad: A cup of greens is considered a serving, so about the size of your hands cupped together. Butter: A teaspoon of butter is about the size of the tip of your thumb. Gravy: A tablespoon resembles the size of both a woman’s thumbs. Source: Flickr User walkering

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Thanksgiving Portion Primer

Pfizer’s Generics Business Takes Shape

Sean Duffy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:49:43 +0000

Sounds like Pfizer’s pushing further into the generic drugs business. New agreements between Pfizer and Aurobindo of India could be coming in the next month or two, Dow Jones Newswires reports this morning, citing execs from both companies who say something’s in the works. The companies already have a deal that allows Pfizer to sell dozens of generic drugs in both developed and emerging markets. Pfizer plans to set up a division to sell generic drugs in Japan , according to news reports this week. The unit will initially sell Pfizer’s own off-patent drugs, but will also apply for licenses to sell generic versions of drugs developed by other companies, MarketWatch says. Building global generics businesses is a popular move among big companies these days, as everybody tries to figure out how to grow in the post-blockbuster era. Sanofi-Aventis recently bought several generics companies scattered around the world. GlaxoSmithKline made a deal with a South African company last year to sell off-patent drugs in the developing world. Photo: Associated Press

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Pfizer’s Generics Business Takes Shape

Stretch It: Twisting Hip Flexor Stretch

Dr Joe — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:22 +0000

A common complaint among runners and cyclists is tight hip flexors , the area in front of the hips above the quads. Here’s one of my favorite ways to lengthen that area, while also getting a subtle spinal twist – two great stretches in one! To learn how to get into this stretch, read more. Begin in a lunge position with the right knee forward and the left leg extended behind you. The right knee should be directly above the ankle. Place a folded towel underneath your left knee if you feel any discomfort under or around your knee cap. Rest your left hand on your right knee and bend your back (left) knee. Reach your right arm behind you and clasp the arch of your left foot. Lower your pelvis until you feel a nice stretch in the left hip flexor. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, and then switch sides by bringing the left knee forward.

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Stretch It: Twisting Hip Flexor Stretch